Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110°F
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Blueberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to 110°F. In a small bowl, mix the active dry yeast with the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dough Base: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine melted butter, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined. Add the activated yeast mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Add Flour and Form Dough: Gradually add flour one cup at a time, mixing after each addition. The dough should come together but remain slightly sticky.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface by hand for 8-10 minutes or with a stand mixer dough hook for 5-6 minutes until smooth, elastic, and soft without being wet. Adjust flour or milk as needed to achieve proper consistency.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. Check by pressing a finger in the dough; if the indentation remains, it’s ready.
- Prepare Blueberry Filling: Keep frozen blueberries frozen or pat fresh blueberries dry. Toss blueberries with cornstarch, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in a medium bowl until evenly coated. Let it sit to allow cornstarch to absorb moisture.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a 16×12 inch rectangle about ¼ inch thick with even edges and thickness.
- Assemble Rolls: Spread softened butter evenly over the dough, leaving a ½ inch border on one long edge. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the buttered dough. Scatter the coated blueberries evenly on top, pressing them gently into the butter.
- Roll and Cut: Starting from the long edge opposite the border, roll the dough tightly into a log seam-side down. Pinch the seam to seal it. Use dental floss or a sharp knife to cut into 12 equal pieces approximately 1.5 inches thick.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish with slight spacing. Cover loosely and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until rolls are puffy and touching.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 28-32 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center. Blueberry juice will bubble up; avoid overbaking to keep rolls moist.
- Prepare Glaze: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to reach thick but pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Let rolls cool for 10 minutes, then drizzle glaze generously while rolls are still warm. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Coating blueberries with cornstarch prevents soggy dough by absorbing excess moisture.
- Use dental floss to slice rolls for cleaner cuts without squishing the filling.
- Ensure milk temperature is around 110°F to activate yeast effectively without killing it.
- Allow second rise for softer, fluffier rolls; do not skip this step.
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries without thawing for best texture.
- Adjust flour and milk as needed when kneading to get an elastic but not sticky dough.
- Let rolls cool slightly before glazing to prevent glaze from melting off completely.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American